Older Iowans Legislature Hosts Upcoming Events
Members of the Older Iowans Legislature and their fellow Iowa seniors can experience the power of determining their own future by taking part in two forums focused on senior issues.
The first event will be held at several sites across the state on Thursday, August 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. Iowans are being asked to “Join the Conversation: Iowa Dialogue on Helping Older Adults Maintain the Highest Quality of Life Possible.”
The Conversations will take place in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Mason City and Waterloo. The goal of this state-wide event is continue a statewide discussion about issues like the changing dynamics between generations, the challenges of caregiving, the financial considerations of elder care and the realities of aging, both physical and mental, that began a year ago with a White House Conference on Aging that was held across the state.
Why should we care? The answer lies in these facts:
- 750,000 baby boomers live in Iowa: that equates to 1 in every 4 Iowans.
- The fastest growing segment of Iowa’s population is in the 85-99 and the 100 age brackets.
- It is estimated that 7 out of 10 elderly Iowans will be in need of some kind of assistance to some degree to maintain their independence.
- More than 300,000 family and informal caregivers are providing support to Iowa’s elderly on an ongoing basis.
- One of the state’s fastest growing occupations is the direct care workforce which provides long-term services for the state’s elderly citizens.
Iowa, with its good old fashion work ethic and common sense approach is the perfect environment to confront the challenges posed by a fast growing elderly population and find reasonable solutions to meet the challenges.
So OIL members come to the table on August 4 and put your two cents into the discussion about elderly issues, but more importantly plan on attending our annual meeting to be held in the Iowa House Chamber at the State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, Sept 26 and Tuesday, Sept. 27.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the issues that are important to you and the future of Iowa’s seniors with Gov. Branstad, Speaker Linda Upmeyer, the Iowa Senate President Pam Jochum and other state leaders.
Your input will determine what issues the Older Iowans Legislature will advocate to the Governor and the next session of the Iowa General Assembly.
Be a part of the solution for your own personal good and the benefit of your children and grandchildren.
Feel free to contact me for more information.
Helene Magee
OIL Chair
Helene400@msn.com
563-580-9758
